The debates themselves would be familiar to anyone who has seen the candidates before — with one exception: the verbal free-for-all between Minnesota attorney general candidates Doug Wardlow and Keith Ellison.

Grassroots-Legal Marijuana Now candidate Noah Johnson isn’t likely to win his bid to become Minnesota attorney general. But in a race where the DFL and GOP candidates are tied, he could play a big role in determining the outcome.

Keith Ellison, Wardlow argues, is too political. But for that theme to play to Wardlow’s advantage, he has to keep attention focused away from his own politics, which may be why it is difficult to get Wardlow to state a position — any position — on many issues.

Ellison said his concern about the mortality rates of older, white rural men is a message the DFL — especially its progressive wing — needs to hear. Part of the reason is political, he acknowledged. But it’s also moral.